Freshen the Fridge during Clean Out your Fridge Month!

Clean Out your Fridge Month is an exercise that perhaps should take place every month. The National Association of Professional Organizers, Southeast Michigan Chapter (NAPO-MI) wants to share some easy and effective steps you can take to maintain a healthy fridge, monitor and expel expired foods and keep an organized and sanitary home for your refrigerated food items.

1. Start by going through each shelf and storage area in your fridge and freezer. Throw out any item that has an expired date on it. Even unopened items that are expired should be eliminated. Make a list of the staple items that you will need to replace.
2. Now comes the cleaning part. One compartment or shelf at a time, remove all items. With a warm cloth and a detergent of your choice, wipe down the area and dry it completely. Extra steps like lining your spaces will also prevents unwanted stains that could occur from spillage.

3. The next step is to organize your items to create some kind of order, that works for you. Group items that belong together or are similar. That will save time and energy in the future when you go to look for specific items.

“Like every other area of the house, keep like items together (fruits together, vegetables together, meats together, condiments together). And, keep leftovers in the front where they can be easily seen and won’t get lost!” suggests Chapter member Stacy Rafalko.

4. Finally, as you replace your items, make sure all labels are facing toward you. Then place larger items behind or under the smaller ones so more items are visible.

5. Empty the ice trays or buckets and clean them out so you can accumulate a fresh supply of ice.


These simple steps will help prevent food borne illnesses and possible allergic reactions keeping you and your family and friends not only safe but healthy too! For more organizing tips, visit www.NapoMichigan.com.

Article submitted by Chapter member, Nancy Varbedian.